British Airways Direct Entry Pilot
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 183
Likes: 41
From: UK
It's going to be very interesting to see how it plays out! Overall i think it is a very positive move - but will probably have some unintended consequences.
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 898
Likes: 73
From: UK
If they successfully reduce sickness and fatigue, whilst improving reserve efficiency and thereby reducing the overtime bill, they’ll have improved productivity despite the headline reduction in the CAP figure.
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 183
Likes: 41
From: UK
You have summed the whole thing up perfectly in one concise sentence! These improvements are not being done for purely altruistic reasons. But if it's wins for both sides then I'm all for it.
Joined: Jan 2025
Aviation Qualifications: SLF
Posts: 166
Likes: 137
From: Mars
I am quite new so have only got a couple of months to base this off of, but I am noticing a lot fewer “potential rosters” on ibid, for what is the same bid as before. In some instances it has really struggled. I’ve had to completely relax the bids to achieve CAP. The only way to increase potentials is to waive the 3 day MBTR, and it spits them out at a rate. I wouldn’t mind doing it for 1 turnaround a month to increase actual roster satisfaction, but so far I (could be wrong) think that it’s a blunt tool.
The B2B trips sound great but they seem to be more of a 777 benefit with very few 787 B2B trips from what I’m making out.
The B2B trips sound great but they seem to be more of a 777 benefit with very few 787 B2B trips from what I’m making out.
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 2
From: UK
How popular are the Middle East trips? RUH/JED/BAH/DOH/DXB?
Joined: Jan 2025
Aviation Qualifications: SLF
Posts: 166
Likes: 137
From: Mars
I am talking about the paid back to back trips with LHR hotel paid and extended days off after. They do involve the least popular trips, and the least popular trips are overwhelmingly on the 777. The 787 does do JFK, BOS, EWR, ORD and YYZ, but they're running at about 1 a day each for October. On the 777 however there are multiple of them.
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere
I have an assessment day with BA next month. There will be two computer tests before the interview: Eagle (aka Crew Capacity) and the Handling Skills test. I have purchased the Skytest's Preparation Software for UK Pilot Aptitude Screening and I have been practicing the Flight Capacity Test that seems to be the closest to the Eagle test; however I haven't found anything on the Handling Skills test. Does anyone know any software to prepare for the Handling Skills test? Cheers and good luck.
Joined: Apr 2010
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 399
Likes: 17
From: Utopia
I have an assessment day with BA next month. There will be two computer tests before the interview: Eagle (aka Crew Capacity) and the Handling Skills test. I have purchased the Skytest's Preparation Software for UK Pilot Aptitude Screening and I have been practicing the Flight Capacity Test that seems to be the closest to the Eagle test; however I haven't found anything on the Handling Skills test. Does anyone know any software to prepare for the Handling Skills test? Cheers and good luck.
If you can follow flight directors, a glideslope and localiser, I wouldn’t bother… the handling test isn’t too bad. The Eagle test will prepare you well for the capacity test, but the test itself is harder. That said, there is pencil/paper to write stuff down. Good luck.
Joined: Aug 2025
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: United Kingdom
Command wise, I read it takes roughly 5 years to command SH (mainline) and around 15-18 years LH. If I was to join SH 5 years, then go FO LH, would it be another 15-18 years in the seat to get command or does the 5 years in SH count towards LH command?
Joined: Jan 2025
Aviation Qualifications: SLF
Posts: 166
Likes: 137
From: Mars
No, the seniority list is company wide. Whether you joined and took short haul command in 3 yrs or stayed as a short haul, or long haul FO for 18 years has absolutely no bearing on your long haul command bid. If you are senior enough for it and you bid for it, then you will be given it. It's all based on your own seniority (doj) against the seniority of everyone else bidding for it at the same time. What people have done with their careers in the meantime is of no relevance once they stayed at BA.
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,559
Likes: 55
From: London
Short haul command at the moment is down at 1 year if you haha the hours… how long it will stay that way who knows. There are changes coming to make short haul command more appealing, but the extent of these changes isn’t known yet. I don’t suspect it will go super senior, but perhaps a little more than it is now!
Joined: Aug 2025
Aviation Qualifications: SLF
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Delhi
Hi guys, I am airbus rated, about 4000 hrs. I've seen that they are taking on LH fleets however the advert does say 'primarily' for the 777 fleet although its not asking for specifically a boeing TR. Does anyone know if they are still taking the random airbus applicants onto the 380 or 350?
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 305
Likes: 5
From: earth
Last year was the first year in the company when I could achieve a LH Command.
That was 380 or 777 after 19 years.
This year 777 or 787 after 20 years.
Joined: Aug 2025
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: United Kingdom
Short haul command at the moment is down at 1 year if you haha the hours… how long it will stay that way who knows. There are changes coming to make short haul command more appealing, but the extent of these changes isn’t known yet. I don’t suspect it will go super senior, but perhaps a little more than it is now!